“I hope we’re not late.” Mrs. Granger turned her clattering station wagon into the already full parking lot of the small town community center.

“You two wait right here. Let me get them.”

Michael pulled the awed Brook against the wall, gazing around at the packed room. He noticed all the kids with small, decorated boxes, glowing over the contents. Michael cringed when Mrs. Granger returned with two balanced on her frail arms, the words “Operation Christmas Child” wrapping the bright green edges.

Charity.

“You know I ain’t got any more money than anyone else around here, but I wanted this Christmas to be special for you two. So when I heard about this program, I knew I had to sign y’all up. Merry Christmas!”

The thought of taking the sissy looking box caused Michael to pull back as if he’d been slapped. But Mrs. Granger was happier than he had ever seen her, and Brooke was already opening the lid to her box.

“Oh Mikey, look!” Brooke held up her treasure, a baby doll in a pink dress. Just what Brooke had wanted.

No way the box could have what I want. Michael reluctantly took it.

“Thanks.”

Removing the lid, Michael felt his breath knocked out of him. Sitting on a pile of school supplies was a bright yellow teddy bear. Michael wanted to throw the box into the wall.

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